Allan Eakin

Friday, February 2, 2018

“Fake news” is in the news. The term immerged during the most
recent U. S. Presidential campaign. Both sides of the political aisle accused
the other of generating “fake” news stories to further a politic agenda.

Where did the whole “fake news” phenomenon originate? “Fake
news” is the direct result of "activist" journalism. Activist
journalism is a covert method of journalism used to sway public opinion to a
particular cause or political candidate.

Back in the day, newspaper editors or news anchors might offer
an editorial or opinion segment. The editorial was always distinguished from
the news reporting.

Today, the line between editorials and genuine reporting is
becoming increasingly blurred. Television news anchors feel obligated to add a
personal comment following a news segment, a raised eyebrow after an interview,
or a subtle shrug following a news report from the field.

Activist journalism occurs on both sides of the political aisle.
Both liberals and conservatives utilize activist journalism.

How should a
responsible Christian respond? 1) Research a news story before
accepting it at face value. Just because it agrees with your political view
doesn’t necessarily make the story true. Research both alternative media
sources, as well as, mainstream media sources. 2) Just because a news story
agrees with your political view, doesn’t mean it’s worthy of sharing. As a
Christian, when you share unsubstantiated or even untrue news stories, you look
foolish. You reflect negatively on the name of Jesus. 3) Maintain a Biblical
worldview. View everything that occurs in the world through the filter of the
Scriptures. For example, God is sovereign according to the Bible. Another
example is that God answers prayer. Remember these, along with other
principles, as your discern truth in reporting and attempt to navigate our current American landscape. Yes, Christians should be
politically informed. However, be careful what news stories you share until you
know they are true.

“ . . . Speak the truth, each one to his neighbor,because
we are members of one another” (Ephesians 5:25).